CCSF chancellor steps down, interim named

State officials said Friday that the chancellor of City College of San Francisco — which has fended off closure and has struggled for three years to remain accredited — has stepped down to run the school’s facilities department.

Art Tyler, a military expert and former head of Sacramento City College who took the job that few wanted less than two years ago, was hailed as a savior for the college when he was hired in 2013. City College, teetering on the brink of closure, needed a permanent chancellor as it tried to address accreditation deficiencies. Two interim chancellors preceded him. He is now vice chancellor of facilities at the state’s largest public school, which has nearly 80,000 students, and will develop a master plan for the school’s numerous buildings.

State community colleges Chancellor Brice Harris gave no explanation for why Tyler was out as chancellor, and in a tersely worded announcement simply thanked Tyler for his 19-month service. His office did not respond to requests for an explanation.

Harris and Guy Lease, the state-appointed special trustee overseeing City College until the elected Board of Trustees resumes power in July, said in a statement that the new interim chancellor is Susan Lamb, who has served as vice chancellor of academic affairs since 2013.

“Her knowledge of the college and of accreditation makes her an excellent leader for the next phase of development of the college,” the statement said.

Faculty leaders were thrilled with the transition.

“It’s a great, great piece of news,” said Susan Berston, a business instructor who serves on the executive council of the Academic Senate.

Lamb, who has been a faculty member and dean, is “really well respected,” Berston said. “She’s collaborative and understands the needs of a very diverse group of constituents. She’s super passionate and cares about the needs of the students — who are our customers, after all.”

The change comes days after another key player — the vice chancellor of finance and administration — said 2he is leaving to take a job in the private sector. Ron Gerhard, hired in 2013, will stay through June.

City College remains accredited but is still struggling to repair deficiencies. The college has until fall 2016 to demonstrate full compliance. A decision by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges about whether the college is no longer at risk of losing accreditation is expected in early 2017.